The AP Spanish Language and Culture course is a rigorous course taught exclusively in Spanish that requires students to improve their proficiency across the three modes of communication: Interpretive, Interpersonal, and Presentational. The course focuses on the integration of authentic resources including online print, audio, and audiovisual resources, as well as traditional print resources that include literature, essays, and magazine and newspaper articles with the goal of providing a rich, diverse learning experience. Students communicate using rich, advanced vocabulary and linguistic structures as they build proficiency in all modes of communication toward the pre-advanced level. This course will be taught in units, focusing on the following six themes: Beauty and Aesthetics
Contemporary Life
Families and Communities
Global Challenges
Personal and Public Identities
Science and Technology
This course fulfills either one of the elective credits or the Arts/Humanities credit required for high school graduation.
II. Course Objectives
The AP Spanish Language and Culture course provides students with opportunities to demonstrate their proficiency at the Intermediate to Pre-Advanced range in each of the three modes of communication described in the ACTFL Performance Descriptors for Language Learners. (Interpretive, Interpersonal, Presentational) Students are expected to: Engage in spoken interpersonal communication Mr. Urry (702) 799- 3120 ext: 3812 burry@interact.ccsd.net srurry.weebly.com Engage in written interpersonal communication Synthesize information from a variety of authentic audio, visual, and audiovisual resources Synthesize information from a variety of authentic written and print resources Plan, produce, and present spoken presentational communications Plan and produce written presentational communications.
III. Classroom Rules 1. Theres one rule in my class. RESPECT. Respect for teacher, others, school property, and yourself. What does that mean? - Respect for teacher: I put a lot of time and effort into each lesson to make it worth your time. please show me respect by coming to class ready to learn and participate. Listen when Im speaking and answer questions when I ask them. - Respect for others: No swearing, name-calling or making fun of others. Were all here to promote a positive learning environment and build one another up, not tear each other down. Listen when others are answering questions, and be a good team player when working in groups. And dont distract others from learning. - Respect for school property: Because of the mess/stains it causes, no food or drink (other than water) in class, unless for teacher approved class activities. Desks/other class property stay in the class at all times and must not be damaged. - Respect for self: Knowing Spanish is one of the most useful tools you can take from your high school education. It opens doors in the world for employment and other opportunities. Respect yourself and your future by actively participating and doing the work yourself (no cheating) so that you can take this tool with you when you graduate. - The rule of respect goes both ways. I will do my best to show you the respect you deserve as a young adult and student in my class. If you ever feel I disrespect you in anyway, please approach me and let me know!
IV. Class Participation
Participation is an essential element of success in the Spanish classroom. You cant learn to communicate in a foreign language unless you listen to it, speak it, and pay attention! Due to the importance of participation in daily class, you are given a participation grade out of 100 points per semester. If you pay attention and actively participate, youll get the full 100 points. If youre not paying attention or participating then you may lose some of those points.
V. Absence and Tardy Policy Tardies: You are considered tardy if you are not in class when the bell rings. I understand that you and a teacher/administrator may need to discuss something after a class, which may cause you to be late to my class. If thats the case, have that teacher/administrator sign a note stating thats the case and you wont be considered late. Otherwise, it will be considered unexcused. Absences: Students who are at least 30 minutes tardy will be considered absent. It is the students responsibility to approach the teacher to learn what they missed when they were absent. The student/guardian may look online on the Mr Urrys classroom website (srurry.weebly.com) to see what assignments have been given and when tests/quizzes will be approaching, as well as other important class announcements.
VI. Homework 1. Students will complete a history/culture research assignment every week on a previously selected Spanish-speaking country. History/cultural topics will be assigned at the beginning of each week and each student will select a Friday during the semester to present their findings to the class for a presentation grade. 2. Students will work on various written activities/projects in class that may need to be completed at home and turned in the next day if not finished during class time.
VII. Class Materials 1. Notebook/Binder with lined paper (Notebooks will be graded at the end of each quarter. Keep pages and activities dated and in order) 2. Pencil and/or pen 3. Other materials will be provided in class 4. If the use of a textbook is needed outside of school hours, the student must come before/after school to use it. Textbooks will not be eligible for checkout.
VIII. Grading Policy Tests/Quizzes: 40% (Tests/Quizzes may not be re-taken) Proficiency Evaluations (Presentations, Projects, Essays, etc): 30% Classroom Assignments/Homework: 20% Participation: 10%
I have read the Course Expectations and understand what is expected of my child. Parent/Guardian Signature __________________________________Date _________________________
I have read the Course Expectations and understand what is expected of me. Student Signature __________________________________Date _________________________